§ Mr. THOMAS-STANFORDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of Army chaplains, Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Nonconformist, at present on active service; and whether additional chaplains are required to secure more efficient spiritual work among the troops both abroad and at home, and to counteract the wastage among chaplains on service abroad; and, if so, can he give an estimate of the number so required?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe following statement shows the numbers of the chaplains serving abroad authorised for the several denominations (excluding Colonial chaplains, Indian Ecclesiastical Establish- 1113W ment, and chaplains engaged locally at foreign stations and not granted Imperial commissions):
Church of England … … 1,037 Presbyterian … … 196 Roman Catholic … … 518 Wesleyan … … 157 United Board … … 161 Welsh Calvinist … … 6 Jewish … … 7 I have no knowledge that these establishments are not sufficient. If such be the case, the generals commanding in the different theatres of war will doubtless make representations on the subject and their recommendations will be considered.